Newb

Hey everyone. I'm new here, but I really need some support. I've been overweight all my life. My dad's side of the family is prone to being over weight. I've always felt like the "fat girl". My sister and brother used to call me a cow and moo at me. Even though we were young and they don't do that anymore, it still affects me daily. I lost about 40 lbs in high school, but since going to college, I've gained it all back and then some. It seems like no matter what I try, I just can't slim back down. Now I have increased stress and it seems like my emotional eating is getting out of control. I feel like I've lost control of my life and now my body. Now, not only do I have to be a support onto myself, but I have to be a support for my Mom, who has gained a lot of weight recently. She always talks to me about how disgusted she is with herself, but she's still much smaller than I am. I just need help. I need support. My fiancee and friends tell me I'm fine the way I am, but the doctors are saying otherwise. I really need to slim down, but I want to do it non-surgically.

hi maggie, welcome to the boards! i think for the most part, everyone is slightly different in their plans for losing weight. you need to find what is gonna work for you. but, i've said this in another thread, my dr once told me that people who track what they eat have a greater chance of losing weight and keeping it off. that's a good way to start off. even before you start adjusting your diet. just start tracking what you eat. then make sure you have your portions right. once you've been tracking for a bit you can see where you need to make changes. there are alot of sites out there where you can track your foods for free. fitday.com, thinnerself.com, sparkpeople.com and thedailyplate.com. find one that you like and start using it. add to that some exercise. start small if you need to and work your way up. i started out just walking half a mile (~10 min) every morning. now i'm up to 1 mile. find something you enjoy. maybe get your fiance to do it with you, or a buddy. other than that, there are some great people on these boards and you'll get alot of support from them. good luck on your journey!

Glad to have you!  You will find a lot of knowledgeable people here.  We will be here when you need us so stick around and if you have any questions, hopefully we can help.  We can also try and lift you up when your down.  Brenda

I would suggest you and your Mom attend meetings of Overeaters Anonymous.  With the support of the OA group, and with the help of your Higher Power, you will be able to get your eating under control.  It is a spiritual program, but it does work, if you work their program of 12 steps.  I really feel for you, feeling you're out of control right now.  I was out of control at one time, but have lost 23.5 pounds so far on OA. Denise Phares/kitties4

Welcome Maggie!  Just keep coming here! There is so much support here! Everyone is wonderful! Your mom saying such negative things about her own weight... and still being under YOUR weight... that must be terribly hurtful :(  People don't even realize half the time, just what they are imprinting upon another persons soul. These things are carried within FOREVER :(    Gosh- I'll be 50 soon and when I was 10 or so, my grandmother bought my sis and I both autograph books for Christmas. She wrote some very sweet poem in my sisters- mine... I will never forget, said: "Roses are red, violets are blue- I'm to fat and so are YOU!"   Now that COULD have seemed silly to some- but since she was ALWAYS telling me I was fat... this was very painful for me :(   It never goes away. I only came here a few months ago- I lurked awhile and read ALL I could. In that time, I was seeking the info to help me decide what was the best route for ME.  My insurance excluded ant WLS so that was out. What I found would work best for me, is the Weigh****chers flex plan. I don;t do meeting, and I don't do the embarrassing weigh ins. I do this strictly between MYSELF... these wonderful people here- and WW online.  My weight loss isn't nearly as fast as some others here, but it has been fairly consistent. I started August 20th and have lost 18 pounds. Had I not gone on vacation in early October- I know I would have lost even more but... life happens :) With just this small loss (I have about 65-70 to go) I feel SO much better!  I breath easier, walking isn't nearly as exerting as it was before etc. It is really amazing how much BETTER you feel with EVERY week.  If you keep really close tabs on your BMI... you also see that falling... SO mu*****entive is there once you start!!    My BMI should be between 19-24 and it was at 40 when I started this- in just 2 months & that measly 18 pounds- it has dropped to 37.  So once you decide the best route for YOU in a WL plan... keep a close watch on how you are changing for the BETTER.  Not just the scale but your BMI and everything!  It really can get exciting and makes you realize that you really DO have LIFE ahead of you! Keep coming here and talking with us! Hang in there... you CAN do it!

Hi maggie!!!! Welcome. You mentioned two problems:  emotional eating and a weight gain. Get right with the first one, and the other will happen!  If you are not exercising most days...start! Bar certain foods from your diet for at least a month - you know the ones I mean:  candy, cakes, full steam soda or sugar-added drinks of any kind.  Make sure you do eat daily:   fresh fruit, 1-2 pieces veggies - at least 3 total cups, potatoes 1-2x week (make sure 1 c at least is leafy green) lowfat dairy - 2 servings lean protein - 2-4 servings, beans where possible healthier fats - canola, olive oils, etc. whole grain stuff:  breads, pastas, crackers - 4-5 servings. Now...beofre you go off...find out what a real serving is!  I piece of bread is at least one serving...can be two if it is dense.  pasta/rice the size of your fist is TWO servings!  protein...about the size of your palm...without your fingers...don't play games, young lady!  Read labels...especially to get the gist of serving sizes.  For example, a box of rice mix may say 3 servings...is that one cup servings...1/2 c...which is it...then stick to it.  Best of luck!!!! Jump in here....

hey! welcome! i come on here as much as i can! you will have a great support group here. i've only been here for a few weeks, but i love it. everyone is positive and helpful and shares great ideas! but the main idea of it is, no matter which diet you do, just stick w/ it and exercise like they said start small if you have too!!     i call "dieting"  getting healthy. cause diet is a dirty word. and if you feel like you are going to go for a snack or sugary, my trick is that i drink a glass of water first and wiat 10-15 min then if i still want something, i eat a treat from the south beach diet....or oatmeal cookies made with splenda sugars that i  make at home. if you'd like either recipe let me know...i'll be glad to share! best of luck and we're here when you need us!!!